Stanley Cup ratings were the best for a series without original six teams

The debate between the Chicago Blackhawks and Pittsburgh Penguins as "the team of the decade" will rage on, but for USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Allen it's settled. The Penguins are the team of the decade and Sidney Crosby is already an all-time great.
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Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby hoists the Stanley Cup after defeating the Nashville Predators in game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. This year's Finals was the most-watched ever for a series not involving an original six team.(Photo11: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports)

NBC has announced that the Stanley Cup ratings were the best on record for a series that didn't involve an original six team.

The Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Nashville Predators series had a total audience delivery of 4.76 average viewers, according to Neilson. That number was up 16% from last year's Final between the Penguins and San Jose Sharks.

In Pittsburgh, the series got a 32 rating, and in Nashville, a 22.

Game 6 on Sunday, Pittsburgh's 2-0 series-clinching win, had a total audience delivery of 7.08, which was up 29% from last year's Game 6. NBC said it's the seventh Stanley Cup Final game to ever get more than seven million average viewers.

Game 6 got a 40 rating in Pittsburgh and a 28.3 in Nashville.

This year's playoffs were the most streamed playoffs and Finals ever. Game 6 had a live stream record with an average minute audience of 101,000 viewers.

Pittsburgh Penguins players celebrate on the ice after defeating the Nashville Predators in game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Christopher Hanewinckel, Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Nashville Predators left wing James Neal (18) and center Mike Fisher (12) react after an empty net goal by Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Carl Hagelin (not pictured) in the third period in game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Jerry Lai, USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Carl Hagelin (62) celebrates after scoring an empty net goal against the Nashville Predators in the third period in game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Jerry Lai, USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Patric Hornqvist (72) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Nashville Predators in the third period in game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Jerry Lai, USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Patric Hornqvist (72) scores a goal past Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) in the third period in game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Jerry Lai, USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Matt Murray (30) makes a save against Nashville Predators center Colton Sissons (10) during the second period in game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Aaron Doster, USA TODAY Sports

Nashville Predators center Filip Forsberg (9) reacts as the officials rule that a goal was disallowed due to the whistle having blown during the second period in game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Bridgestone Arena. Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports

Game 4: Nashville Predators center Frederick Gaudreau (32) is congratulated by teammates after the officials announce he scored a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period. Scott Rovak, USA TODAY Sports

Game 3: Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Patric Hornqvist (72) and Nashville Predators center Calle Jarnkrok (19) are separated by an official during the third period. Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports